Quality acts are
playing Next Door

If the last two months were any indication, Next Door plans to keep folks coming back with a steady stream of quality entertainment every weekend.

Ever since Doc Martin made an appearance back on Aug. 5, the Chinatown venue has hosted some pretty big names -- Chief Xcel, Carlos D, Myka Nyne and DJ Kool Herc are among the first that come to mind. And now local artists have been getting their due, with a new Thursday night weekly.

Using Honolulu's airport code as a title, "The HNL" is a landing strip for the best and brightest Hawaii has to offer. Microscopic Syllables played the first week, followed by Kemalito Dagaios and Maui's Amphibeus Tungs on Sept. 22. Paula Fuga will perform along with Kupa'aina tonight.

Doors for "The HNL" open at 9 p.m.; cover is $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. Check out www.whoisnextdoor. com for a current entertainment schedule ...

SALSA DANCERS have a new hangout at Restaurant Row starting tomorrow.

Las Palmas Steak and Seafood opens its doors with a full lineup of weekend entertainment. Friday's "Salsa Caliente" party features music by Son Caribe. On Saturdays, DJs Homie and Miriam present "Noche Revolution," and Sundays belong to Wally Rita and His Latin Amigos, who host "Noche Carnaval" from 9 p.m. to midnight.

And starting next Tuesday, DJ Alberto hosts "Noche de Nostalgia-Latina," with free dance lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. ...

LOCAL ROCKERS Go Jimmy Go are getting set to leave the islands once again, this time for a stint on the "Ska Is Dead III" tour.

You've got one more chance to see them tomorrow, when they play from 9:30 p.m. until closing at Anna Bannanas. DJ Mac Dub will jump in every once in a while, but otherwise it'll be nothing but GJG all night long.

Expect cover to be in the $5 to $10 range for this 18-and-over show; it's also a great option for those college students coming from "Rocking the Roots" up at UH-Manoa ...

THE HIATUS is over -- Kavet the Catalyst is back with his "Trip the Lights" party on Saturday, this time at Detox with a special performance by the Procussions.

The Colorado-based group will be joined by an all-star lineup of Hawaii talent, including Nomasterbacks' Wade, Creed Chameleon, Nippondamic and DJs Oliver Twist, Skid, Observ and the Catch a Fire crew.

And, like his other "Trip the Lights" events, art is also a part of the festivities, with Shawn Castro, ER, Koak and Eight providing installations that night ...

In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.